By JESSICA FREGENE/Contributor
Latosha Cleaver is a powerlifting coach at the East Texas based Big Back Brigade Strength Team and works in Rec Sports at UT Tyler’s Herrington Patriot Center.
She has over 14 years of experience in powerlifting and owns Raw Iron Gym Tyler where she fosters a community of athletes who support one another.
She has helped host powerlifting meets to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society.
Q: What is your approach to feedback and form corrections when it comes to working with athletes?
So, for feedback, I always like to lead with something positive.
If there is something that needs to be corrected, I like to always do positive reinforcement and then do the critique. I feel like it makes the athlete feel better.
I don’t ever like my athletes to feel attacked. I want them to feel like they’re getting what they need from my feedback.
Q: How do you balance strength progression with injury prevention?
Active recovery. Imake sure that I program my athletes pre- and post-stretches, and dynamic and static stretches.
I really emphasize active recovery and doing things to prevent injuries, such as band work. I always encourage my athletes to, if you need to see a chiropractor, if you need to take a day off, listen to your body.
If your body’s feeling off today, I’d rather you stop than keep going and hurt yourself.
Q: What influenced you to start your journey in coaching athletes for powerlifting?
Well, I’ve been lifting myself for almost 15 years, and I’ve lifted all over the country and almost in every federation.
I have met a lot of young people who approach me wanting guidance. And I said, “Well, I do have a lot of knowledge, why not spread that knowledge?
Q: How do you create individualized powerlifting programs for your athletes?
Most of my athletes get an intake form. I send them a Google Doc, and I ask them questions about what their goals are, what they think their strengths and weaknesses are, and their commitment level.
I have them give me their current maxes, and we just build from there.
Q: How do you define and measure progress beyond PRs?
If you can stay healthy, it doesn’t matter how many PRs you get if you’re gonna be hurt and out for two years.
My goal is to get my athletes healthy and strong and to still be able to compete. I instill that in my athletes from the beginning.
Train smart, listen to your body, and do your recovery.
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